But none of that mattered because Samantha Kielty was off limits. Off limits. Like a crime scene – stay back; do not cross the yellow tape – off limits.
They both stood motionless for a moment, mere inches separating them. While he stared down at her, she stared back at him just as intensely. Without heels, Sam’s chin came to the middle of his chest, and he couldn’t help to think how nicely their bodies aligned. Everything about her seemed right for him felt right even though it was completely wrong.
The moment was broken when Bear let out a gentle bark, trying to get Sam’s attention again, and Logan took the opportunity to break the silence. “The party’s out back. I just came in to check on things in here.” Breaking eye contact, Logan looked at Bear, then back at Sam. “Looks like you might have a companion for the evening.”
When her eyes widened, Logan wondered what she thought he meant. Then he wondered what she would say next.
What if he was offering to be her companion for the evening? Would she be ok with that? He was her boss. She was new to the Dallas office, and rumors would spread quickly, especially since Logan knew there was one particular project manager who didn’t seem too keen on the idea of having Sam as her boss.
Suddenly, and with very little thought, Logan reached up, gently tucking a lock of her hair behind her ear, lingering for a second more on her soft cheek. She didn’t move and neither did he.
The confines of the long, narrow hallway offered a small measure of privacy, but not nearly enough. When she pressed her face against his palm, Logan knew he was a goner.
Stepping back quickly, nearly tripping over Bear, Logan realized he’d crossed a line. “I’m sorry.” He whispered.
“Don’t be.” Sam’s voice was low, her eyes hooded as she stared at his mouth.
She was killing him.
“I mean…” Obviously she had a moment of sanity because she took a step back as well, putting a respectable two feet between them. “Let’s just pretend this didn’t happen.”
She looked incredibly nervous, and Logan wanted to touch her again. Rather than backing off like he should, he took a step closer and lowered his voice. “I’ll do my best, but I don’t think that’s going to happen.”
There. He’d said it. Now, at least she knew where he was coming from. Though this was likely the biggest mistake he’d ever made when it came to his career, something about Sam made it impossible for Logan to back off. So, now they could either walk away, pretend the earth didn’t stop spinning when they were close, or she could make the next move. Either way, he’d have to make do with her decision.
He fought the urge to touch her again. Instead, he glanced behind him, then back at her. Her face was flush, and she still looked nervous, but then a flirtatious smile curved her lips and his heartbeat ratcheted up a notch.
“I think I should go where the party is.” Sam suggested, her voice a little breathless and shaky.
For some reason, that turned him on more.
“Party. Yes.” Logan knew they better get back before someone noticed he was missing and came looking for him. Or, before he kissed her. “After you.” He said as he stepped aside so she could pass him.
“Sam, I’m so glad you could make it.” A female voice called from the hallway behind them. Deanna.
The timing couldn’t have been better. Logan smiled at his admin as she seemed to be unaware of the heat that still lingered in the hallway after the brief interlude between him and the sexiest woman he’d ever met.
“Oh, hey, Logan.” Deanna smiled, turning her attention back to Sam. “Come on back, we’re all sitting by the pool. What would you like to drink?”
“Something strong.”
Logan almost laughed at the insistence in Sam’s voice. So she had been just as affected by their encounter as he had. Except one thing. He needed a moment alone to figure out a way to diminish the evidence of how affected he was. He watched as Sam walked away from him, not looking back once. He admired her long, tan legs, and the way her short, white denim shorts encased her beautiful ass.
This was going to be a long damn party.
Several hours later, Sam stood as she went to say her goodbyes to the few people still lingering.
For most of the afternoon, she’d managed to get lost in the conversations of those around her, never once paying attention to the time. She’d shared some laughs with several of the managers who now reported to her, and she’d talked at length with Deanna. She liked that they were becoming fast friends, and she was getting to know her on a more personal level.
Then there was Bear, Sam’s new four legged best friend. Most of the party goers were amused with how much Bear had taken a liking to her. According to them, Bear rarely left Logan’s side when he was over at the house, but today Bear hung around everywhere she went.